The quote highlights the lasting impression that the character of a mad person in "The Bell Jar" made on the narrator. It suggests that among the various elements of the play, the depiction of mental illness resonated deeply, overshadowing other details. This focus reflects a common human experience where certain themes, especially those related to mental health, linger in our memory due to their emotional weight.
In Sylvia Plath's work, the portrayal of madness can be seen as a central motif, representing struggles with identity and societal expectations. The narrator's preoccupation with the concept of madness implies a fascination or perhaps a fear of the complexities of mental states, underscoring how such themes can dominate one’s recollection, especially when they challenge conventional understandings of reality.